Minutes of the December 19, 2005 Board meeting

A motion was made and approved to confirm the Board's action on November 21 to elect Sanne Lee to the Board.
 
The President noted that a letter be sent to Board Member Tom Chang relieving him of his position due to extensive absences from the Board meetings.  It was noted that Mr. Chang's new business ventures required more of his personal time, and that his service was not at fault.  Motion was moved and approved to send the letter.
 
At the suggestion of former Board Member Jeff Yann, a motion was made and approved to send a letter to Loni Hancock, Chair, State Assembly Natural Resources Committee, regarding the support of AB 1090 dealing with waste management and conversion technology.
 
Law enforcement issues.  CHOP requested that we remember Officer Romero who was killed in the line of duty.  Officer Liu reported that the end of the year traffic collisions exceeded 10,000, an increase over the past year.  Accident fatality rates are down 20%, citations and DUI's arrests are up.  Maximum enforcement will be made during the holidays.  Officer Jimenez was introduced as the new liaison officer for Hacienda Heights.
 
The Sheriff deputies reported four shootings in October, two residential burglaries in November - 15 for the current year as opposed to 30 in 2004.  COPS team, with 8 deputies, is now on line and has made several arrests for a variety of issues.  Tagging on Turnbull Canyon is under a close watch.  Three grand theft autos and several burglaries occurred in the Countrywood condo area.
 
Pat Batha spoke on the subject of the faux weapons being sold near Vons.  These are very authentic looking guns, attractive to youth, and not appropriate near stores and schools where there are lots of children.  Dickie Simons suggested the she contact Assemblyman Calderon's office re the matter.  Some of the guns are paint ball guns and he described the laws relating to them.
 
Dickie reported that a medical marijuana hearing is being scheduled, and also mentioned the upcoming community plan.  Dickie said he would coordinate the consultants meetings with the Board members. 
 
Scott Martin referred to recent articles on the failure of the various health plans to met the needs of the public.
 
Bud Welch, Ombudsman for the Landfill gave his quarterly report, advised of the ornamental gate, the 2005 drainage project, the new MRF is on "shakedown cruise" and is ready to move up to 500 tons per day.
 
Steve Feld reported on the Kiwanis upcoming pancake breakfast.
 
Mike Williams reminded that the HHIA Annual Meeting will be held on January 12, 2006, at Palm Elementary School.
 
Henry Pedregon suggested that HHIA invite more political officials to the Board meetings.